Teen Court

Teen Court is an educational opportunity that helps teen defendants and volunteers to understand our justice system. Teen Court is a voluntary program that allows juvenile Class C misdemeanor defendants to handle their citation through community service and involvement in the judicial process. Cases are presented by volunteer Teen Court attorneys to a jury of the defendant's peers, including volunteers from local middle/high schools and previous teen defendants.

The jury members assess a sentence of community service following the guidelines set by the Municipal Court. Upon successfully completing Teen Court, the defendant will not have to pay any fines. Instead, the charges will be dismissed and removed from the youth's permanent record.

Allen's Teen Court program allows teens to serve as defense and prosecuting attorneys, bailiffs, jurors, and clerks. Teens may choose which roles are of interest to them. Attorney volunteer positions require additional training.

If you are interested in participating, please complete an application to volunteer for Teen Court and return the form to the clerks window at Municipal Court (301 Century Parkway). Applications and brochures are also available at the Municipal Court front office.